I Want to Look Chic, Cool and Put-Together This Summer—17 New-In Pieces I Know Will Nail the Brief

Though spring has only just truly begun, I always think of this time as the unofficial call to action for my summer wardrobe. There’s something about the lighter evenings and the more generous, glorious sunshine that makes everything feel a little bit more hopeful, and, frankly, it puts me in the mood to shop. After months of rotating the same jumpers and jeans, I’m suddenly thinking about the linen trousers I haven’t worn since August, the sandals gathering dust at the back of my wardrobe and all the gaps in between. I’ve always leaned into a more classic style—clean silhouettes, unfussy tailoring and pieces that do the heavy lifting for me—but I also like to inject a few cool, current additions that feel like a refresh rather than a total reset. It’s less about chasing trends and more about elevating what I already own with those unexpected touches that make getting dressed feel exciting again.

Whilst I tend to keep my core wardrobe fairly pared-back, Free People has become one of those brands I rely on season after season for pieces that strike the perfect balance between timeless and of-the-moment. It’s a label I consistently come back to—not just for the trend-forward items that add interest to my everyday looks, but also for the staples I reach for on a weekly basis. I know: it’s hardly a secret (it’s a fashion-editor favourite for a reason), but what keeps me loyal is the way every piece manages to feel elevated without being overthought. Think slightly oversized silhouettes, relaxed tailoring, beautifully textured fabrics and items that have that just-right balance of ease and edge. Free People does that whole “nonchalantly stylish person I saw on holiday” thing particularly well, but it’s also where I’ve found some of my most versatile wardrobe anchors—pieces that work hard without looking like they’re trying to. And let’s be honest, I’m still reaching for the same striped T-shirt and wide-leg trousers most days, so anything that helps refresh those with minimal styling effort is a win in my books. That’s exactly where this edit comes in.